Susan Merenstein, Pharmacist/Owner

(412) 586-4678

Online Shop


Back to Products

$41.50

Astaxanthin 4mg 150 softgels

Healthy Origins® 100% Natural BioAstin® Astaxanthin is a carotenoid produced from Haematococcus Pluvialis microalgae. Carotenoids are organic pigments that naturally occur in plants and other photosynthetic organisms. These organic pigments are responsible for giving many plants, fruits, and sea life their vibrant colors. There are over 600 known carotenoids which are broken down into 2 groups: Xanthophylls and Carotenes.

One of the most important carotenoids in the Xanthophyll groups is the super antioxidant Astaxanthin. 

·        Astaxanthin is the most powerful known natural antioxidant on our planet! 

·         Natural Astaxanthin can have up to 550 times the antioxidant activity of Vitamin E and 10 times the antioxidant activity of Beta Carotene.

·        May protect the skin from UV-induced damage and melanin production.

 Astaxanthin is perfect for anyone who:

·        is interested in supporting healthy energy levels

·        could benefit from optional athletic performance and healthy recovery from exercise

·         wants to promote healthy skin tone, texture, elasticity, and moisture levels

·        is looking to support optimal eyesight and vision function

·        needs support for healthy aging, mental clarity, and brain health

 

Astaxanthin is the secret "longevity vitamin"

My personal supplement regimen has always been pretty minimalist, but one nutrient has stood the test of time: astaxanthin (pronounced asta-ZAN-thin). I've been taking it daily for almost 15 years! In fact, I strongly believe it's one of the best nutrients you can take for healthy aging. Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant that gives certain marine life like salmon and shrimp their vibrant red color. It works by protecting cells from oxidative damage and inflammation. Astaxanthin has been shown to extend lifespan in the NIH Interventions Testing Program, the gold standard in mammalian lifespan research, as well as several other longevity models, and studies in humans have shown that it can benefit skin health and appearance, heart and brain health, and even joints — no wonder experts have called it a "longevity vitamin"!

 

Astaxanthin: the secret "longevity vitamin" you've never heard of

I wanted to learn more about how it works, along with best-practices for timing and dosing, so I invited astaxanthin expert Dave Watumull onto the podcast. He and his family have been studying astaxanthin for decades, and he most recently co-founded AX3 to bring the power of astaxanthin to the world. The conversation was fascinating and science-packed. Watch the episode here.

Grass-finished vs. grain-finished beef — what's healthier?

A new study was just released exploring how different cattle finishing methods impact the nutritional quality of beef. Researchers compared pasture-finished and grain-finished Black Angus cattle, and the results were fascinating. Pasture-finished beef came out on top with higher levels of health-boosting compounds like phenolic antioxidants, omega-3s, vitamin B3, and alpha-tocopherol, plus lower markers of oxidative stress and better mitochondrial function. On the other hand, grain-finished beef had more B-vitamins like B6 and B5, showing some nutritional benefits to grain-feeding too. Interestingly, potential antibiotic-related metabolites were only found in grain-finished samples. While pasture-finished beef offers extra metabolic health benefits, the study reminds us that grain-finished beef isn’t unhealthy either — it’s just different! The key takeaway? Both types of beef have their perks, but pasture-finished might pack a bit more nutritional punch. Read the study here.

 

Ultraprocessed foods are as addictive as tobacco

A 2022 paper suggests that ultra-processed foods (UPFs), like tobacco products, meet the criteria for being classified as addictive. Just as tobacco triggers compulsive use, strong cravings, and has psychoactive effects, UPFs can do the same. These foods, often loaded with refined sugars and fats, seem to have addictive properties that go beyond simple taste or pleasure. The researchers argue that, much like the misclassification of tobacco in the past, failing to recognize UPFs as addictive could mislead the public and allow industries to continue producing and marketing these foods without proper oversight. Interestingly, the study highlights that tobacco companies themselves played a direct role in the rise of UPFs. Major tobacco companies like Philip Morris and R.J. Reynolds purchased food and beverage companies (like Kraft and Nabisco) from the 1980s to the mid-2000s. They applied the same tactics used to make cigarettes addictive to UPFs, such as adding flavor enhancers and using aggressive marketing strategies, often targeting vulnerable populations, including children and minorities. This deliberate approach helped UPFs become a dominant part of our diets — now comprising roughly 60% of our calories — and contributing to preventable deaths at a rate comparable to tobacco. Recognizing UPFs as potentially addictive substances could lead to better treatments for overeating and stronger regulations, just as recognizing tobacco's addictive nature changed public health policies and reduced smoking rates. Read the paper here.

 

90 year olds gain as much muscle as 65 year olds!

There are so many benefits to resistance training: It boosts muscle strength, improves mobility, and enhances overall physical function, which are key factors in promoting longevity and maintaining independence as we age. But what about if you're already in advanced age? A recent study offers some fantastic news. Researchers compared the effects of resistance exercise training (RET) on two groups: one aged 65-75 and another aged 85+. After 12 weeks of training three times a week, both groups saw impressive gains. Muscle size increased by around 10%, strength shot up by 38-46%, and physical performance improved significantly in both age groups. Most importantly, there were no major differences in how each group responded to the training! So, whether you're in your 60s, 70s, or even 80s, resistance exercise can boost muscle, strength, and mobility, proving that it's never too late to reap the benefits of staying active! Read the study here.

 

Cocoa flavanols are a win for brain health

September is Healthy Aging Month and you already know my passion for brain health. That’s why I’m excited to tell you about cocoa flavanols, the natural compounds found in the cacao bean, which are gaining major attention for their brain-boosting benefits. Decades of research show that these powerful bioactives can support cognitive function and improve memory, including long-term memory. One of the main ways flavanols work is by increasing blood flow to the brain, delivering important nutrients and oxygen, which helps with overall cognitive health and supports key areas of brain performance.

150caps